Firstfives.org

Hi all,

Currently I'm in the hunting/gathering stage of doing a M30B35 swap into my 1981 528i. Right now for exhaust I have B34 manifolds with custom made down pipes going twin tube to a stock resonator and muffler. It sounds and flows ok but it's a bit flat which is besides the point.
As part of the swap I was thinking of switching things up a little. I was looking at getting a set of IE headers, adding a cat and doing something more custom with the muffler arrangement.

My question is, IE does not specify headers for the E12 but they do for the E28. I read it's because it may interfere with steering? Is that true? I don't want to lay out $500 only to find out this setup won't work.
If the IE headers won't work does somebody know where to find headers that will?

Thanks

Trevor M

I can't answer your question, but I can confirm a stock E28 downpipe will hit the idler arm.

I think the IE headers for E3/E9 will fit since the front end is about the same.

I also can't answer but I am personally running B35 manifolds with e32 downpipes(50mm) and have no steering interference issues.

Well, it's been a few weeks now that I emailed IE and asked for clarification if their headers will fit an E12. The web page says it does but I asked for some confirmation before I pull the trigger.
No response back. I can't wait forever on this and want to move forward with the engine build. I'd like to have the headers in hand so I can port match before I assemble.

Does anybody know of another source of M30 headers that will fit the E12?
I'll even consider used.

Thanks.

Go to mye28.com and look up Paul Ladue headers. He goes by alpinass and he has headers made that fit e12's!

I sent an email, I'll see what comes back from that.

Thanks.

Well after much pestering I did finally get my answer. Jeff at IE says they will fit. Today after much waiting my set arrived.



They fit nice and the ports match up well. I'm pleased with the quality and fit....



Now I've got lots to do.